Screening mental health problems during adolescence: Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

• We examined the psychometric properties of the SDQ in a representative sample of adolescents.
• Measurement invariance of the SDQ scores across gender and age were supported.
• Sources of validity evidence of the SDQ scores were provided.
• SDQ, self-reported form, is a useful tool for the screening of emotional and behavioural problems in adolescents.

The main purpose of the present study was to test the psychometric properties of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), self-reported version, in Spanish adolescents, introducing a five-point Likert response scale. The sample consisted of 1474 adolescents with a mean age of 15.92 years (SD = 1.18). The level of internal consistency of the SDQ Total score was .75, ranging from .56 to .71 for the subscales. Results from exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure as the most satisfactory. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the five-factor model (with modifications) displayed better goodness of-fit indices than the other hypothetical dimensional models tested. Furthermore, strong measurement invariance by age and partial measurement invariance by gender was supported. The study of the psychometric properties confirms that the Spanish version of the SDQ, self-reported form, is a useful tool for the screening of emotional and behavioural problems in adolescents.